KRASNOYARSK, Russia - Not far from the Synagogue in Krasnoyarsk, movers have unloaded several huge blocks of ice, which are to be used in building a massive Chanukah Menorah on one of the city's central streets. This is an impressive undertaking, even before the artistic work commences, since the ice had to be brought in from a frozen river 300 kilometers from the city.
For the fifth year in a row, local sculptor Alexander Zaitsev has been amusing citizens of Krasnoyarsk by creating a beautiful ice Menorah for Chanukah celebarions. His work has already received international attention and continues to be a thrill for community members, young and old alike.
The success of this project now depends on the weather. While the temperature is currently only several degrees below zero in Krasnoyarsk, it is expected to drop significantly in the near future. Once this happens, Alexander Zaitsev will be actively working to create his annual masterpiece.
This year, as in other years, Jews of this major population center will be gathering round the giant ice menorah for a candle-lighting ceremony on the eve of Chanukah. "Fire and ice - like a parallel to our cold Siberian winter during Chanukah, when the light of the Menorah spreads warmth and there's enough to go around for everybody," said Yuri Livshitz, the Chairman of the local Jewish community.
The Krasnoyarsk Ice menorah is one of over 10,000 Menorahs placed by Chabad Lubavitch around the world from the White house lawn in Washington DC to the frontiers of Siberia in order to publicize the Chanukah message of Religious freedom over oppression and light over darkness.
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